Tag Archives: TRT

Bloc Loc HST Ruler
10.4.2016
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Featured Tool: Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler by Bloc Loc

Bloc Loc HST

What is this typically used for?

Squaring up half-square triangles (HST) to the correct size.

What was your first impression of the Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler?

I was intrigued by the idea of a specialized ruler for HSTs.

How did you use it?

I started by using it to square up half-square triangles in a mini quilt. I was impressed how well it helped me keep the diagonal seam exactly in the corner which is important for precise piecing and points.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

Not long at all. It was easy to learn and get in a rhythm of cutting.

What did you like best?

The way it helped keep the diagonal seam exactly in the corner. The markings are clear and easy to read. I make my HSTs 1/8″ larger than the math requires; it helps square-up precisely to the unfinished size for piecing. You can make various size HSTs with one ruler (in 1/2″ increments).

What did you like the least?

I bought the 6-1/2″ Bloc Loc first, knowing I could trim many sizes of HSTS 6-1/2″ square and smaller. I wish I had bought the set of 3 because I prefer to use the size closest to the size of HST – I have them all now!

Why do you NEED it?

Precisely trimmed HSTs enable a quilter to maintain sharp points and straight diagonal lines between blocks – Bloc Loc does a great job helping me accomplish that. HSTs are in so many quilt designs.

Could you see another potential use for the tool?

Mainly for squaring-up HSTs but I do that a lot! It is now my favorite way of trimming HSTs.

Who would appreciate the Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Any quilter who is intimidated by half-square triangles

6 Comments
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

LED Needle Threader
9.27.2016
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Featured Tool: LED Needle Threader by Dritz, Item #82260

LED Needle Threader

What is this typically used for?

Increased visibility while threading needles.

What was your first impression of the LED Needle Threader?

“This looks so sturdy!”

How did you use it?

You put the filament part through the eye of your embroidery needle. The button illuminates a small LED light at the end so you can see better. Then, you insert your embroidery strands through the filament. Pull the LED needle Threader back out of the needle and voila, the needle is threaded.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

It was very intuitive!

What did you like best?

The LED light! It’s a really nice feature. I really love this tool.

Why do you NEED it?

When you are working with multiple embroidery thread colors and switching between colors a lot, this tool saves you time and frustration. Once you start using the needle threader it will become habit and it makes embroidery or handwork more enjoyable.

Who would appreciate the soft comfort thimbles most?

These are perfect for:

  • Anyone using a sewing needle by hand
  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Embroiderers, paper-piecers, hand crafters
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting/sewing tools
3 Comments
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

Thimble Pad
8.16.2016
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Featured Tool: Thimble Pad by Colonial Needle, Item # 80561

thimblepad

What is the Thimble Pad typically used for?

This is a thimble for people who hate wearing thimbles.

Why did you decide to give the Thimble Pad a try?

I normally can’t use thimbles. I have never been able to find one that is comfortable and usable. I can get by with one for about five minutes and then I get frustrated, take the thimble off, and hope my finger callous holds up.

What was your first impression?

“Ugh, I have to use something let me give this a try.”

What was your experience using the Thimble Pad like?

I was on a road trip binding a rather large quilt when my finger callous gave out and it was becoming quite painful to bind the quilt. Luckily, we drove by a small quilt shop and I had to get something. They had these little leather-like discs (the Thimble Pad). Many had recommended using these since I don’t like thimbles, so I thought it is better than nothing at this point. I LOVED it! I stuck it on my middle finger where I push in my needle and it was perfect. It was comfortable and the adhesive lasted all day even though I took it off and on from time to time. I have tried other adhesive disc thimbles, but this is by far my favorite.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

I had to position it a few time to find the “sweet spot,” but once I found the right spot for me, it was easy and natural to use.

What did you like best? Least?

I like the flexible to mold to my finger curve. The adhesive lasted all day, even through hand washing. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t try these sooner. Sometimes my thread would wrap around the disc, but it saves my fingers.

Why do you NEED it?

If you don’t like using thimbles, you need this. It will save your fingers.

Could you see another potential use for the tool?

The Thimble Pad also works great to grip a needle that is hard to pull through.

Who would appreciate the Thimble Pad most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Beginner Quilters
  • Intermediate Quilters
  • Expert Quilters
  • Embroiders
  • Paper-piecers
  • Someone acquiring the “basics”
4 Comments
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower
7.19.2016
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Featured Tool: Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower by Clover, Item #81920

stack n store

What is the Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower typically used for?

It’s an innovative tool that organizes and holds your bobbins.

What was your first impression?

I liked how compact it was and that it holds the bobbins in such a way that they don’t unwind easily while stored

What was your experience using it like?

I ended up getting two of these–one for my Juki and another for my Pfaff. It was just easier to have one for each kind of bobbin–I even color coded them, using all dark green for the Juki bobbins and the light green for the Pfaff. The way it’s designed makes it easy to pull one section off and pop into my binding bag. That way, I have a ready selection of thread colors on hand to as well as an easy way to take bobbins when going to quilt retreat. It works great and I have no more tangled threads!

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

No time at all.

Why do you NEED it?

I’ve tried other organizers and tools to hold the thread ends. This combines both ideas, works beautifully, and doesn’t take up much space.

Who would appreciate the Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Beginner Quilters
  • Intermediate Quilters
  • Expert Quilters
  • Anyone acquiring “the basics”
1 Comment
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

Clover Mini Iron
6.28.2016
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Featured Tool: Mini Iron by Clover, Item # 81912

Clover Mini Iron

What is the Mini Iron typically used for?

It’s handy for applique and crafting; I use it for freezer paper appliqué and pressing small pieces.

What was your first impression?

I feared it wouldn’t work. It’s just so small I didn’t think it would get hot enough.

What was your experience using the Mini Iron like?

It is extremely effective in making the seam allowance on even the smallest pieces stay and the folded edges nice and crisp, and smooth. Just what you need for beautiful appliqué. I now use it all the time for preparing freezer paper appliqué pieces and liquid starch.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

The technique takes patience to perfect, so I will say a few days.

What did you like best?

I loved how well it pressed, but especially the smooth edges of even the smallest of appliqué pieces. I will only use this method of appliqué and the Clover Mini Iron.

What did you like least?

The iron gets extremely hot so I have to be very careful not to burn myself.

Could you see another potential use?

It would be fabulous for making doll clothes or having to press in very small places on garments.

Why do you NEED it?

I wouldn’t appliqué without it. If I don’t have this iron, I don’t appliqué (and I love to appliqué).

Who would appreciate the Mini Iron most?

These are perfect for:

  • Intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Paper-piecers
  • Those making small garments (such as doll clothes)

Pssst:

Want to protect your surfaces when using the Mini Iron? Try the Mini Iron Wooden Holder, available here.

6 Comments
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

Wonder Clips
6.14.2016
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Featured Tool: Wonder Clips by Clover

What are these typically used for?

These tools can be used in place of pins to hold several layers of fabric together.

What was your first impression of Wonder Clips?

I was skeptical at first about how useful they’d actually be.

What was your experience with them like?

The first time I used them was for binding. They really helped keep the fabric in place so I wasn’t constantly wrestling with it. Next I used them to hold layers together when I was sewing in a zipper. I also tried them in place of pins when I was making bags with vinyl. They worked well in all situations. With binding they helped press the binding down so once I took them off the fabric still held that shape and my binding went even faster! They also work really well in place of pins, especially with the vinyl since they didn’t make holes in it. I could see them working well with thicker fabric that might bend pins.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

Instantly!

What did you like best?

They are cute, multi functional, and have less potential to draw blood than pins. Plus they come in all sorts of colors – personally, I love the rainbow pack.

What did you like least?

They aren’t as easily stored in a pincushion. However they do fit nicely in my glass jars so it’s not all bad.

Could you see another potential use?

They would probably work well for organizing and keeping groups of fabrics together when cutting multiple shapes or sizes out. You could write the letter or Fabric 1 on a paper then use a wonder clip to clip the paper to the fabrics. They would probably work with English Paper Piecing as well to hold the shapes together as you whip stitch them.

Why do you NEED it?

I keep thinking of new ways to use them! They seem to be endlessly useful. Wonder Clips are like potato chips–you can’t have just one!

Who would appreciate Wonder Clips most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting/sewing tools
6 Comments
 | Tags: _, Staff Picks, Tool Review Tuesday, Tools

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